Chirag Paswan death threat: LJP delegation meets Bihar DGP, demands security upgrade
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A seven-member delegation of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) met Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar on Wednesday, 2 September, demanding immediate action over a death threat received by Union Minister and LJP (Ramvilas) national president Chirag Paswan. The threat, reportedly delivered via an unsigned letter, has set off alarm in both political and administrative circles, prompting the party to simultaneously approach the Union Home Ministry for a security upgrade.
What the Delegation Demanded
Led by Bihar state president Vivek Vishwas, the delegation included Legislative Council member Ashraf Ansari and party MLA Raju Tiwari. The meeting was held at Sardar Patel Bhawan in Patna, where the group discussed the nature of the threat, police action taken so far, and Paswan's existing security arrangements.
Party leaders urged the police to identify the sender at the earliest and take strict action. Following the meeting, Vishwas and Tiwari stated that DGP Vinay Kumar had taken the matter seriously and assured the delegation of full cooperation and necessary steps.
The Nature of the Threat
According to party leaders, Paswan received the death threat through a letter. An unsigned communication received by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries — which Paswan heads — reportedly claimed he would soon be killed by 'hardcore terrorists' and listed two mobile numbers. Police are currently working to trace the origin of the letter and identify the individual responsible.
On 1 September, Alok Kumar Singh, Additional Private Secretary to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, wrote to the Union Home Secretary seeking an immediate and thorough investigation into the origin, authenticity, and circumstances surrounding the threat.
Existing Security and Review Sought
Paswan currently holds Z-category security provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Given the gravity of the threat, the ministry has sought a review of his protection cover and additional security measures, particularly in view of his upcoming public engagements.
The LJP (Ramvilas) had also separately approached the Union Home Ministry to seek an upgrade in Paswan's security classification, signalling that the party considers the existing cover insufficient in light of the latest threat.
Political and Administrative Response
The incident has drawn attention to the security protocols surrounding senior Union Ministers. This is not the first time a threat against a sitting minister has prompted a formal review of protection arrangements, but the explicit mention of 'hardcore terrorists' in the communication has added urgency to the matter. Investigators are examining the two mobile numbers cited in the letter as the primary leads.
As investigations proceed, the LJP (Ramvilas) has made clear it will continue pressing both the Bihar administration and the Centre for a swift and comprehensive response.